Author: The South Sudan Herald

RJMEC warning to the African Union Council South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement is edging toward what monitors describe as an “irretrievable breakdown,” raising fears of wider conflict if tensions are not contained. In a virtual briefing to the African Union Peace and Security Council, Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow (rtd), interim chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), said the political and security environment has “continued to deteriorate significantly.” 2018 R-ARCSS deal said to be severely undermined Owinow said the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, known as R-ARCSS, has been “severely…

UN Security Council Pressure Over Uganda Allegations The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) has asked the United Nations Security Council to hold Uganda accountable for what the movement describes as direct military involvement in South Sudan’s civil war. In a statement issued on Thursday, SPLA-IO called for a closer review of how the UN arms embargo on South Sudan is being enforced. It argued that Ugandan troops and equipment inside South Sudan would be inconsistent with Security Council resolutions, according to SPLA-IO. Nimule Border Reports and Renewed Fighting SPLA-IO’s appeal follows reports that Ugandan troops entered South Sudan through the…

Juba electricity supply back on the policy agenda South Sudan says it will intensify efforts to tackle chronic power shortages and expand electricity distribution in Juba and other urban centres, more than a decade after independence. Officials frame reliable power as a practical foundation for services, security lighting and economic activity. Energy Minister’s first field inspection at Ezra Group The renewed push follows the first official field inspection by the Minister of Energy and Dams, Agok Makur Kur, at Ezra Group’s facilities in Gondokoro, on the outskirts of Juba. The visit included senior ministry officials and engineers, according to accounts…

Swearing-in in Juba sets the tone South Sudan’s newly appointed Minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, says capacity building for civil servants will be his leading priority. He made the commitment during his swearing-in ceremony in Juba on Wednesday. Service delivery and labour market focus In his remarks, Gatkuoth linked training to improved service delivery and a stronger labour market. He presented these goals as central to his ministerial agenda, arguing that skills development can raise performance across government institutions. Why the ministry matters for governance Gatkuoth described the ministry as instrumental to the functioning…

Bor County peace agreement backs Abii Payam Three communities in Bor County have reached an agreement to unite under the newly accepted Abii Payam administrative structure. Local authorities and traditional leaders present the decision as a step that could improve peace, governance, and service delivery in the area. County commissioner hails dialogue-driven breakthrough Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech welcomed the joint decision by the Mach Ayiel, Biong, and Nyara communities. He described it as a breakthrough achieved through sustained dialogue and mutual understanding, and said it is the first time their leadership has formally agreed to operate under a…

Juba–Yei Road at the Center of Public Debate An opinion article recounts how the Juba–Yei Road has become a recurring topic in South Sudan’s public conversation, often raised during official announcements and media coverage. The writer frames the road as a practical development priority, not a rhetorical talking point. (Radio Tamazuj; Eye Radio) Rhino Construction Request Raises Funding Questions The author cites a report stating Rhino Construction Company, contracted by the national government, requested fuel and financial support to repair or rehabilitate the road. In the writer’s view, that request renews questions about project preparation, financing arrangements, and contract clarity.…

Central Equatoria e-tax proposal debated by ministers Central Equatoria State’s Council of Ministers has discussed a proposal to resume the electronic tax, or e-tax, system, with officials linking it to improved revenue collection and stronger financial accountability. The discussion took place during a Council sitting held after a security briefing. Finance Ministry outlines goals for revenue and transparency The proposal was presented on Thursday by the State Ministry of Finance, Planning and Investment. After the meeting, State Minister of Information Nyarsuk Patrick said the memo seeks to reintroduce e-tax at the state level to boost revenue, attract investment and promote…

Akobo speech puts unity at the centre of SPLM-IO messaging AKOBO – A newly appointed opposition official in South Sudan’s restive Jonglei State has called for a broad cross-tribal alliance against the government, urging supporters to resist ethnic divisions. The appeal comes as observers report growing signs of tribal mobilisation across the region. John Wiyual Lul takes office as Akobo County commissioner John Wiyual Lul, appointed last week as commissioner of Akobo County, addressed a large crowd at the county headquarters on Thursday. He was named by Nathaniel Oyet, the acting leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition…

Juba Statement Signals Government Confidence JUBA — South Sudan’s newly appointed Minister of Public Service and Human Resources Development, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, says President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration remains in full command as fighting intensifies in several areas. In a statement dated January 22, Gatkuoth rejected assertions that opposition forces could remove the government, portraying the state as stable and operational despite heightened military tensions. Major Cities ‘Remain Secure’, Minister Says Gatkuoth said key urban centres, including Juba and Bor, are secure, disputing opposition narratives of imminent breakthroughs into strategic towns. “Bor, Juba, and all major cities of the Republic…

University of Juba Radio Station Renovation Starts The University of Juba has launched a major renovation of its official radio station, aiming to reposition the facility as a modern broadcasting and training hub for students and the wider community, according to Eye Radio. The work formally began this week after a handover ceremony held at the university, bringing together university officials, UNESCO representatives, and contractors expected to deliver the refurbishment (Eye Radio). Modern Studios and New Broadcasting Equipment Planned Project details point to a full refurbishment of two radio studios, alongside the installation of updated broadcasting equipment and wider improvements…